World Language Requirement FAQs

All students in the College must satisfy the World Language Requirement by reaching the 2020 (advanced intermediate) level or equivalent. Students can satisfy the World Language Requirement through approved test credits, by taking courses at UVA, or by placing above the 2020 level through one of UVA’s World Language Placement tests. 

Students who want to start learning a new language can register for the appropriate 1010 course at UVA.  

Students who are continuing a language they have already studied must determine their placement using AP scores, SAT II test scores, or one of UVA’s World Language Placement exams.  

American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Creole, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Maya K'iche', Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Sanskrit, Spanish, Swahili, Tibetan, Turkish, and Urdu.

Taking a placement test may not be necessary if you:

• Have taken an SAT II Subject Test
• Have earned credit through the 2020 (advanced intermediate) level as a result of your AP test score
• Plan to start learning a new language at UVA

Advanced Placement (AP) Exam

Your AP test scores could grant you course exemption and academic credits. Check out the UVA AP Credit Award Policy for more information.

SAT II Subject Test

No credit is given for SAT II exams. However, these scores may be used to determine advanced standing for World Language classes. The last testing date applicable towards determining advanced standing at UVA is the May/June test. If you are unable to take this test, then you must take the College's World Language Placement Test before summer advising (for online Spanish, Italian, French and German Placement Exams) or during Fall advising (for all other languages).

For specific world language placement and exemption based on SAT II Subject Test scores, consult the World Language Requirement Placement and Contact Information Page.

Higher-Level International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam

The College awards no credit for standard-level IB examinations.

Scores of 5, 6 or 7 on higher-level IB exams may qualify a student for advanced placement, introductory-level credit or exemption from the World Language Requirement. Consult the UVA International Baccalaureate Credit Award Policy for placement and exemption information.

Scores below a 5 on the higher-level exam may be sufficient for higher-level placement with no credit. The World Language Coordinator for your language can help you understand their department's policy on placement and awarding of credit. 

Note: The College of Arts and Sciences accepts only IB scores sent directly from IB North America.

If, after August 1 of your first-year, your AP or IB credits are not showing in SIS you should:

First, contact the College Registrar (138 Monroe Hall) to see if the College can retrieve them.

If the College cannot retrieve your AP scores you should have them sent to you, not to the University or the College. Once you receive the hard copy, bring it in the sealed envelope to the College Registrar in 138 Monroe Hall.

If the College cannot retrieve your IB scores you should have them sent to the College of Arts and Sciences directly from IB North America. Contact [email protected] with questions.

Some placement diagnostics are online. Others have diagnostic interviews scheduled during the summer. Find information for your language on the World Language Requirement Placement and Contact Information Page. 

For languages not taught at UVA, please contact Dean Melissa Frost.

If you master a language not taught at UVA at the native-speaker level, you may request an exemption from the World Language Requirement. Please note, you must demonstrate mastery across all four modes of language: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. 

Language placement diagnostics cannot be taken more than once. Taking the placement more than once is an honor violation. Once students are placed, students cannot "jump" from one level to the next.

Students who have a disability that affects their language learning are encouraged to seek advice from the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC). Learn more about possible accommodations, including modification of the requirement.